Auckland DHB Dermatology Service

Public Service, Dermatology

Today

Open today 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Description

Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases. A doctor of medicine who specialises in this is called a Dermatologist.

When you come to the Dermatology Outpatient Department you will be seen by a member of the Dermatology team who will ask questions about your illness and examine your skin to try to determine or confirm the diagnosis. Further tests may be ordered. These include but are not limited to blood tests, skin biopsy or skin scraping. A biopsy is a minor procedure using local anaesthetic to remove a small piece of the skin for examination under a microscope in the laboratory. A skin scraping is a gentle scrape removing a layer of skin from the affected area for testing. Sometimes these tests can all be done during one clinic visit, but for some conditions the diagnosis will take several follow-up appointments. Occasionally some tests can be arranged even before you are seen at the clinic to try to speed up the process. Once a diagnosis has been made, the medical staff will discuss treatment with you.

Consultants

Dr Karen Agnew

Dermatologist
Dr Bob CY Chan

Dermatologist
Dr Aravind Chandran

Dermatologist
Dr Harriet Cheng

Dermatologist
Dr Steven Lamb

Dermatologist
Dr Fergus Oliver

Dermatologist
Dr Denesh Patel

Dermatologist
Dr Priyam Sobarun

Dermatologist

Referral Expectations

If you have an urgent skin problem requiring immediate assessment you are referred urgently to the Dermatology Department where you will be seen at Greenlane Clinical Centre by the Registrar (a trainee specialist) who will decide treatment or whether you need to be admitted to Auckland City Hospital. Investigations will be performed as required and the more senior members of the team involved where necessary. It is best if you have somebody take you to this assessment as transport between Greenlane Clinical Centre and Auckland City Hospital may not be provided.

If the problem is not urgent, the GP will be given advice to treat your condition or your GP will write a letter to the Dermatology Department requesting an appointment in the outpatient clinic.

Each month the Department receives more new referrals than can be seen at clinic. The Dermatology doctors working in the Department review the referral letters to determine who should be seen first, based on the information provided by the GP. Very urgent cases are usually seen within a month, and all patients are seen within four months. Routine cases are often returned to the GP with some management advice.

Hours

Open today 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Mon – Fri	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Common Conditions / Procedures / Treatments

Acne

Acne is a skin disorder that is characterised by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and, in bad cases, cysts (deeper lumps). Acne usually starts at puberty and is in response to our body’s production of hormones, called androgens.… More
Bacterial Skin Infections

Our skin is our body’s first defence mechanism and even though many types of bacteria live on its surface, we still need a healthy, intact skin surface to maintain its defense.… More
Eczema

There are several different types of eczema but all have a number of common symptoms, the main feature being red, inflamed, itchy skin. The skin can be covered with small, fluid-filled blisters that might ooze and form a scale or crust.… More
Fungal Skin Infections

Bacteria and a number of types of fungi live on the surface of the skin.… More
Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, recurring (keeps coming back) skin condition that is hard to treat.… More
Scabies

Scabies is a very common skin infection that is caused by a mite that burrows under the top layer of skin and lays its eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days. The skin then becomes very itchy and a red, raised rash may appear. Itching is worse at night… More
Skin Cancer

New Zealand has a very high rate of skin cancer, when compared to other countries.… More
Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer.… More
Patch Testing and Contact Dermatitis

The Dermatology Service at Greenlane Clinical Centre provides a patch testing service. Dermatologists apply patch tests to patients with dermatitis to find out whether their condition might be caused or aggravated by a contact allergy. Many substances are able to be patch tested. Nearly every patient has a standard series… More
Wound Care Following a Dermatology Procedure using Local Anaesthetic

It is important to follow the instructions the nurse has discussed with you and read the written information for wound care following skin surgery using local anaesthetic. If you have been instructed to leave all dressing in place, then DO NOT remove any dressings and do not get the dressings… More
Phototherapy Treatment with UVA

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) provided by artificial light has been used with good results for a long time.… More
Phototherapy Treatment with UVB

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) provided by artificial light has been used with good results for a long time.… More
Photodynamic Therapy with Metvix PDT

Click here for information on Photodynamic Therapy with Metvix PDT. More